BTN News: The current situation with mpox, often referred to as “monkeypox,” has prompted global attention, yet it’s crucial to understand that mpox is not the new COVID-19. This clarification comes from experts like Dr. Hans Kluge of the World Health Organization (WHO), who emphasized the significant differences between the two viruses during a recent press briefing. Mpox, which includes the Clado I and Clado II strains, has been around for decades, with the Clado I strain currently causing concern in Central and East Africa, and the Clado II strain responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. While the Clado I strain is still under research, scientists have accumulated considerable knowledge about Clado II, helping us understand how to combat this virus effectively.
Recent developments have heightened the focus on the Clado Ib subtype of mpox, especially following an uptick in cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This particular strain has also been detected in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The WHO took the situation seriously enough to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024. This move underscores the gravity of the situation, similar to the global alert issued in 2022 when the Clado IIB strain of mpox spread worldwide. That particular emergency was eventually lifted in May 2023.
The history of mpox is deeply rooted in medical research. First identified in 1958 in monkeys bred for scientific studies in Denmark, the virus made its first known jump to humans in 1970 in what is now the DRC, formerly Zaire. At that time, the transmission was primarily from animals to humans, specifically involving the Clado I strain. However, recent observations by experts, including Catherine Smallwood of the WHO’s European office, suggest that the Clado Ib subtype might have adapted to spread exclusively among humans. Unlike its predecessors, this strain has not yet shown any evidence of animal-to-human transmission, which raises concerns about its efficiency in spreading between people.
Further complicating the issue is the fact that Clado I is considered more dangerous than Clado II, according to Tarik Jasarevic, a spokesperson for the WHO in Geneva. However, the nuances between the Clado Ia and Clado Ib subtypes, especially regarding their potential severity, are still under investigation. This ongoing research is vital, as understanding these differences could influence public health strategies and responses.
The resurgence of mpox, particularly in regions like the DRC, where health infrastructure may be less robust, has raised alarms within the global health community. The Clado Ib strain’s emergence in East Africa is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of viral evolution and the need for vigilant surveillance. As the WHO continues to monitor the situation, the lessons learned from previous outbreaks will be crucial in shaping the international response.
While the mpox virus may not be a new threat, its recent behavior suggests that it could pose significant challenges if not addressed with urgency and precision. The current focus is on understanding the dynamics of the Clado I strain, particularly its Ib subtype, and how it differs from the Clado II strain that caused widespread concern just two years ago. The WHO’s declaration of a global health emergency is a sobering reminder that while we have made progress in combating this virus, the fight is far from over.
As scientists and health professionals work tirelessly to decode the mysteries of mpox, the importance of global cooperation and preparedness cannot be overstated. The world must remain vigilant, drawing on the knowledge gained from past experiences to mitigate the impact of this evolving virus. Understanding the differences between the Clado I and Clado II strains, along with their respective subtypes, will be key to preventing further spread and ensuring that the global community is better prepared for any future outbreaks.
